Woman accusing Vince McMahon of sexual abuse asks WWE to waive confidentiality agreements

A woman who has accused former WWE chief Vince McMahon of sexual abuse has requested the wrestling company to waive confidentiality agreements that could prevent other employees from coming forward with similar allegations.

The woman, identified as Janel Grant, filed a lawsuit against WWE and McMahon, alleging sexual battery and trafficking. In a letter sent by Grant’s lawyer to WWE’s legal representation, she urged them not to enforce non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with current or former employees and contractors.

McMahon, who has denied the allegations brought forth by Grant, previously stepped down as CEO of WWE amid investigations into similar claims. Grant, a former employee of WWE, made detailed accusations of sexual assault, harassment, trafficking, and emotional abuse against McMahon and others.

Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, stated that releasing former WWE employees from NDAs is crucial for the company to move away from the toxic workplace culture attributed to McMahon. Callis emphasised that this step is necessary for addressing the history of covering up sexual assault and trafficking within the company.

In response to Grant’s lawsuit, McMahon dismissed the claims as fabrications and vowed to defend himself vigorously. His legal team maintained that any relationship with Grant was consensual and that he never mistreated her. Similarly, John Laurinaitis, a former WWE executive and wrestler named in the lawsuit, has refuted the allegations against him.

Grant alleges that she was coerced into leaving her job at WWE and signing a $3 million NDA. The lawsuit aims to invalidate the agreement, citing McMahon’s non-compliance with the terms. Additionally, Grant’s representatives clarified that she was not among the women reported to have signed similar agreements with McMahon in the past.

This call for waiving NDAs echoes similar actions taken by other companies following allegations of sexual misconduct. Grant’s request aligns with efforts to prevent such agreements from silencing victims and allowing alleged perpetrators to evade accountability. Legal changes have increasingly restricted the use of NDAs in cases of sexual harassment and assault.

Grant coming forward publicly with her allegations against McMahon demonstrates her commitment to seeking justice and shedding light on the issues within the wrestling industry. As the legal proceedings unfold, the wrestling community awaits further developments regarding the accusations made against McMahon and WWE.